IN PICS: Iowa icon Caitlin Clark enjoys WNBA offseason, attends Hawkeyes' Week 9 clash vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Hours after her signed jersey, basketball, and trading cards sold out for $1,000,000, Caitlin Clark returned to where her fame started: the Iowa Hawkeyes. The program's football crew faced the Northwestern Wildcats at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday.
Given the Hawkeyes' setback against the Michigan State Spartans last weekend, Caitlin Clark's appearance summoned the crowd in Iowa's support. The former Hawkeye posted a photo of the gridiron, a selfie with former teammate Gabbie Marshall and a heartwarming interaction with a young fan.
As the Wildcats entered the matchup behind a speedbreaker against Wisconsin, Iowa was assumed to win by 14 points on the spread in the Week 9 game. Moreover, as Caitlin Clark's presence kept the fans engaged, Iowa mounted a big 40-14 upset against Northwestern.
Hawkeyes gripped the game early, leading 12-7 at the half. Kaleb Johnson put on a clinic with explosive runs, posting 14 carries, 109 yards and three touchdowns. Brendan Sullivan also chipped in, completing nine passes for 79 yards. The program is now 5-3 on their season and will now face the Wisconsin Badgers (5-2) next on Nov. 2 at home.
Caitlin Clark had a complete homecoming in Iowa
Apart from the football game, the former starplayer also had a chance to get together with her Hawkeyes teammates - Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, Monika Czinano and Sharon Goodman - over the weekend. Legendary coach Lisa Bluder, who retired from coaching this summer, was also in attendance..
Iowa’s Instagram handle posted a few snippets of the alumni, showcasing them enjoying their extended time in Iowa and interacting with young guns - Hannah Stuelke, AJ Ediger, Addison O’Grady, Sydney Affolter and others.
The former and current cast of the Iowa women’s basketball team spent some time in the practice facility. The Iowa Hawkeyes mounted two of the most successful years alongside Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall. The program went to back-to-back NCAA finals in 2023 and 2024, which is also the deepest postseason run in school history.
Additionally, Clark's one-of-a-kind fandom also factored in Iowa's continued success as a program. This offseason, despite her absence, the program sold out all its season tickets.